Dorothy Travis Moore’s latest inspiration book delivers and is a must-read for teachers and parents. Christian references are sprinkled throughout this narrative. One-hundred thirty-nine pages highlight real stories of at-risk students. Tried and true tactics developed to motivate young people to recognize their potential and move toward their destiny of accomplishments and success are also identified. Each chapter ends with tips ‘action plans’ for student progress. Final pages include an outline of ‘The Dangerous Dozen’ or social and emotional dynamics that can affect a child’s ability to learn — Low self-esteem. Inability to resolve conflict. Hostile school climate. High suspension rates. Outdated curriculums. Ineffective parenting. Peer pressure. Criminal behaviors. Failure to dream. Emotional isolation and feeling invisible. Dorothy Travis Moore is an educator’s educator and practices what she teaches. Her life of service and dedication to shaping successful career habits, particularly for African-American adolescent males, resulted in her being honored by the National School Safety Center as one of America’s Top Ten Principals of Leadership. Dorothy Travis Moore is a true icon, a blessing to everyone who has encountered her.

This report, for the first time, represents a major step in addressing the disparate treatment of Back girls inpublic systems. It challenges researchers to develop new studies to investigate the degree and prevalence of the adultification of Black girls. Data presented confirms that many adults view Black girls as less innocent andmore adult-like than their white peers, ages 5 to 14. “In light of the proven disparities in school discipline, we suggest that the perception of Black girls as less innocent may contribute to harsher punishment by educators and school resource officers.”

A snapshot of the data indicates that compared to white girls the same age, survey participants perceive that Black girls need less nurturing, protection, support, and comfort. And that Black girls are more independent, know more about adult topics and sex. Results of this attitude may translate into fewer leadership and mentorship opportunities for Black girls. Additionally, discrepancies in law enforcement and juvenile court practices may contribute to the more punitive exercise of discretion by those in positions of authority, greater use of force, and harsher penalties.

“Stereotypes often operate at subliminal levels, are reinforced by prevailing cultural representations and can have a dramatic impact on offenders, particularly juveniles.” The authors conclude that “Only by recognizing the phenomenon of adultification can we overcome the perception that innocence, like freedom, is a privilege.

DEMAND THE IMPOSSIBLE: ESSAYS IN HISTORY AS ACTIVISMBY Nathan Wuertenberg and William Horne, Eds.Westphalia Press

There are those among us who do not or choosenot to understand or accept history’s impact on thepresent. Addressing this dilemma, these scholarscontend that, “The culprit in this American historyas-mythology may be our schools and textbookswhich often depict historical knowledge ascomplete rather than ongoing.”

Wuertenberg and Horne report that “The deceptivetimeline of beginning, middle, end that presentshistory as linear and distant” can also be blamed.“Contemporary issues are produced historically.Prior events, ideas, and systems of power createdour world, and are repetitions of chronic problems which confront Americans.” Titles of the twelve essays includedare — Liberals, Leftists, And the Democratic Party, Racism And Rights: African-Americans and Contested Citizenship (s), Monuments and Power: Racism and Public Memory, Jobs and the Environment: Moving Beyond the Herrenvolk Democracy of Coal. Insuring Mental Health:Treatment and Access for the Mentally Ill, and Poverty as Policy: Wagelessness and Aid are also featured. Each of these examines the role of history inshaping ongoing debates and highlights the ways that today’s issues are historical expressions of power that continue to shape the present.